A Detailed Guide to the Breeding Methods and Key Technical Points for Cicada Nymphs

The cicada body has high nutritional value and a delicious taste, and it is often served on the table for people to enjoy. For this reason, many people breed cicada nymphs. What exactly are the methods for breeding cicada nymphs?

Breeding methods for cicada nymphs

1. First, we need to choose a good breeding site, generally in a forest or fruit orchard. The soil at the planting site should not accumulate water, should not be too wet, and should be free of rats, insects, and ants.

2. In July and August, female cicadas lay eggs, and we collect egg branches in places where cicada calls are dense. Late autumn and early winter is the best period for collecting eggs. Female cicadas lay eggs on tender branches 4-5 cm long, and when cutting the egg branches we should stay about 20 cm away from the cicada eggs. Bring the collected egg branches back to the breeding site.

3. Insert the collected egg branches into soil pots, and we decide on burying and planting according to the condition of the cicada eggs.

4. When burying and planting the egg branches, first dig a pit 30-40 cm in length, width, and height near the trees at the planting site, then bury 1-2 egg branches and cover them well with soil. If the cicada eggs are about to hatch, remove them from the egg branches in time and dig a pit to bury them; there is no need for burying and planting.

5. After the cicada eggs hatch into cicada ants, they will crawl into the soil under the trees to suck tree sap and need to survive for several years. During this period, we need to ensure the trees grow and develop well, do a good job in daily management, and provide nutrition for the cicada ants. Pay attention to drainage during the rainy season.

6. After at most five years of underground life, the cicada ants will develop toward adulthood and must break through the soil to molt. Every year, as soon as cicada calls can be heard, we must set up the site to prevent the cicada nymphs from escaping. Surround the land where the egg branches were buried with 15 cm high plastic sheeting, and also wrap plastic sheeting or tape around the base of the trees. These measures are all to prevent the cicada nymphs from escaping.

7. From 20:00 to 22:00 at night, the cicada nymphs can be caught.

Breeding cicada nymphs is relatively simple, but it requires patience, because cicadas grow in the soil for a relatively long time. The animals near the breeding site that prey on cicada larvae must also be cleared away.